ArticleADQ forum.
Activity directors as players on the interdisciplinary team

Ryan Heath Keenan, ACC, BBAWinter 2005; pages 4-6

AbstractActivity directors
are integral, professional players on
the interdisciplinary team of long-term care facilities. They work to improve the quality of life for each resident, while remembering that
each is a special, unique individual.

AbstractPerson-centered care is the prevailing philosophy among dementia care professionals today. Its focus is on the individual with dementia, their preferences, personality traits, hobbies, and history. Caregivers make an effort to know the person as well as they can and adjust the environment and daily activities to meet the needs of that person over a continuum as their condition changes. The goal of this article is to provide a brief outline of the history and relevant texts for person-centered care as well as some suggested methods for implementation.

AbstractThe Myers Research Institute is currently focusing on both Montessori-based
programming and
the spaced-retrieval technique. Both of these approaches are centered on the philosophy that individuals with dementia are still able to learn new information, provided that it is presented properly and consistently. It is important to remember that dementia patients always retain some strengths, regardless of their limitations. The key is discovering these strengths and building on them
in order to enhance the quality of life
for individuals with dementia.

ArticleComplementary therapies

Cindy Holland, MS; Sally Albrecht, MAWinter 2005; pages 28-37

AbstractComplementary therapies, once regarded as unconventional, have entered the mainstream and are regarded as enjoyable, therapeutic activities that enhance traditional treatments and medications. The
goal of this article is to provide a brief outline of some of the complementary therapies that have been successfully implemented in dementia care facilities, specifically: color therapy,
pet therapy, aromatherapy, massage, Reiki,
and reflexology.

ArticleWho wants to be a millionaire?

Mark Warner, AIAWinter 2005; pages 38-40

AbstractCreative use of
familiar TV game shows can encourage participation and inject fun into ac-
tivities for residents with dementia. With the proper coaching, encouragement, and theatrics, residents can entertain and
be entertained. Staff can extemporize and
elaborate on their knowledge of their residents and popular culture, adjusting questions and answers to challenge people without frustrating them, thus boosting
their self-esteem.

Activities Directors QuarterlySpring 2005, Volume 6, Number 2

ArticleDesigning a combined flexibility
and walking program for adults
with dementia

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to describe the development and implementation of a walking and flexibility program for older adults with dementia. This exercise program yields outcomes for individuals at all levels of functioning. Previous literature indicates that persons with dementia are capable of engaging in such a program, which has the potential to yield positive physical, affective, and behavioral outcomes. Our program is unique for two reasons: a) it adds a defined flexibility element that is combined with a typical walking program, and b) the way we document the walking component. This article describes our full walking and flexibility program, as well as recommendations and ďlessons learnedĒ from our experience in implementing this program.

ArticleAssessing active music participation
of persons with midstage dementia

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine whether music therapy could engage persons with midstage dementia. A music therapy practitioner determined the level of participant engagement in each of three music activity typesó rhythm playing, exercising with music, and singing. Results indicated that activities staff members who had little or no formal music training were able to learn and practice the protocol. The initial assessment of the participants indicated that participation levels were stable over time and across each of the three music activities.

ArticleEffects of calming music on agitation
in nursing home residents

AbstractThis article examines the use of calming music to decrease agitation in cognitively impaired nursing home residents. Calming music
has been shown
to be an effective,
nonpharmacologic strategy to reduce agitated behavior
in persons with dementia.

ArticleSummer fun: Let creativity guide you
in planning activities for the person with Alzheimerís disease

Michele PellissierSpring 2005; pages 32-34

AbstractMaking the upcoming summer months pleasurable for Alzheimerís patients and their caregivers can be
a challenge. But with a little planning and creativity, it is possible for Alzheimerís disease and other dementia patients
to enjoy traveling, walking, and even sports activities.

ArticleDeveloping a therapeutic exercise
program for older adults with diverse cognitive abilities

AbstractThis article describes the positive effects of therapeutic physical activity/exercise for older adults with dementia. It gives tips for how to develop safe and effective therapeutic exercise programs that include components of resistance, endurance, flexibility, and balance. It also provides practical methods for diminishing barriers
to and enhancing
motivation for participation in exercise programs.

Activities Directors QuarterlySummer 2005, Volume 6, Number 3

ArticleThe Friendship Club and the Chaplainís Lunch: Small-group social activities for low-functioning individuals

Lynda GriffinSummer 2005; pages 4-8

AbstractActivities play an important role in the lives of persons with dementia. They improve mood, reduce agitation, help maintain physical and cognitive function, and, in some instances, may even prolong life. Although dementia patients may lose their ability to initiate social interaction over time, their need for it is not lost. The Friendship Club and the Chaplainís Lunch provide opportunities for social interaction among low-functioning individuals in an engaging, pressure-free environment that fosters self-esteem and evokes a sense of belonging.

ArticleThe Smiles Club program: Developing
a daily routine of activities for mid- to high-functioning individuals

Judith Hutson, MSWSummer 2005; pages 9-15

AbstractThis article describes a successful daily routine of activities implemented at the residence of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Clarence, New York. The goal of this innovative program is to create a structured environment
of enjoyment and activity for residents, which reinforces a sense of security and fulfillment in their daily lives. The program is cost-effective because it relies on the interests and talents of existing staff members and uses inexpensive materials of daily living. This article outlines the daily highlights of the program and makes recommendations for implementing similar programs.

ArticleSweet treats:
Making chocolate candy

Ellen S. Tolle, RN, MPSSummer 2005; pages 16-22

AbstractMaking chocolate candy is a fun group activity that individuals in various stages of dementia can accomplish, even if
they have never made candy before. Making a product that both tastes and looks great will enhance participantsí feelings of self-worth. This article offers a detailed lesson plan with step-by-step instructions on how to melt the chocolate and make
a few types of candy. Discussion questions and other activities are also suggested to enhance and supplement this project.

ArticleThe Friends Program: Five years of peer activity in a residential setting

Sandra Adcock; Holly Ericson;
Boyd Davis, PhDSummer 2005; pages 27-34

AbstractThis article describes an ongoing group activity designed
to mingle residents from an independent-living facility with those in an assisted-living facility. Individuals in all stages of Alzheimerís disease and at all functioning levels can participate in this activity, which is designed to increase social interaction
and enhance positive affect on both sides. Recommendations for setting up similar programs in other facilities are given.

ArticlePlanning a successful
art therapy program

Kathleen JonesSummer 2005; pages 35-48

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to provide basic guidelines
for developing art therapy programs
for dementia patients at all functioning levels. The lesson plans are designed
for residents with dementia who live
in long-term care
settings. The main objectives of these programs are to bring participants comfort,
enjoyment, and the opportunity to be
creative and interactive with others.
In addition to supplying guidelines
and considerations for developing art therapy programs, this article provides
a sample eight-week program with lesson plans of proven
activities.

Activities Directors QuarterlyFall 2005, Volume 6, Number 4

ArticleADQ inservice. Visiting those with late-stage dementia: A recipe for success

Mary Lucero, BSH, NHAFall 2005; pages 4-10

AbstractActivities professionals can ease the emotional pain family members and friends experience when visiting their loved ones with late-stage dementia. This
article gives practical ideas and suggestions that activities professionals can use to help families and friends approach visiting from a new perspective, and
make it a time of connectedness and personal renewal.

AbstractMemory Boxes are powerful activity tools that increase social interaction between staff and
residents, stave off boredom, enrich lives, and provide sensory stimulation. This article discusses their development from the beginning stages to their present day use. Recommendations for launching similar Memory Box programs are given, along with suggestions for encouraging their continued utilization, overcoming challenges, and evaluating program success.

ArticleADQ Proven Activities.
Conversation connection

Cathy Allen, CTRS, RCFE, CMIS-IFall 2005; pages 23-23

ArticleADQ Seasonal Planner. December, January, and February

Fall 2005; pages 24-25

ArticleADQ Featured Lesson Plan.
Match and sort

Fall 2005; pages 26-26

ArticleCreative expression through music:
A music therapy program for
a dementia community

Mirie Levy, MSGFall 2005; pages 27-35

AbstractMusic therapy interventions may help individuals with dementia recover their functional
abilities and may awaken their expressive potential. This article discusses
a music therapy
program founded
on the National Wellness Instituteís Six Dimensional Wellness model, incorporating rhythm, singing, listening, and movement activities. The program was found to markedly enhance residentsí expressive behavior in facial signs, eye contact, verbal remarks, and body
gestures. Implications of the findings are discussed, along with recommendations for future music programming for a dementia clientele.

ArticleBINGO: An opportunity for breaking up rigid attitudes

Barbara Dreher, PhDFall 2005; pages 36-40

AbstractBINGO is a fun, small group activity that is beneficial and pleasurable for mid- to high-functioning individuals with dementia. This article presents a lesson plan for the activity, complete with therapeutic goals, participant selection, and required equipment. The procedure of the game will help participants recognize their good and bad opinions toward a topic, while providing mental stimulation and helping break up their rigid attitudes.

ArticleWhen Iím an old man,
Iíll leave the seat up

Louise P. Whitney, LMSW, ACSW, C-SWHCFall 2005; pages 41-48

AbstractThe Menís Plaid Flannel Shirt
Society is a unique activity program
that provides
social interaction
for members. It
gives men the
opportunity to
celebrate their
age and remaining talents while
having a grand
time. Participation
in this group activity helps to reverse the process of withdrawal and isolation associated with dementia,
while facilitating emotional expression and engagement.